Sportsvival is officially locked in on the 2026 MLB season, tracking the next wave of talent set to impact big-league rosters. As with all Sportsvival boards, this list focuses on impact over hype, weighing talent, opportunity, organizational fit, and realistic roles.
This is not a prospect ranking, this is a rookie impact board projecting who will matter most during the 2026 season, whether from Opening Day or via midseason call-ups.
This board will evolve as the season progresses, roles change, and opportunities emerge.
SPORTSVIVAL TOP 10 ROOKIES- 2026 MLB SEASON
1. Trey Yesavage
Position: RHP
Team: Toronto Blue Jays
Role Projection: Opening Day Rotation Arm
Sportsvival Breakdown:
Yesavage enters 2026 as one of the most MLB-ready arms in the game. His command, poise, and strikeout ability project him as an immediate stabilizer for Toronto’s rotation. His performance in the post-season has opened eyes and has made him a possible Rookie-of-the -Year candidate.
Projected Impact:
• Front-end innings
• Above-average strikeout rate
• Rookie of the Year contender
2. JJ Wetherholt
Position: 2B / SS
Team: St. Louis Cardinals
Role Projection: Everyday Starter
Sportsvival Breakdown:
One of the most polished bats in the class. Wetherholt’s elite contact ability and plate discipline give him one of the safest floors among 2026 rookies.
Projected Impact:
• Top-of-the-order presence
• High OBP
• Defensive versatility
3. Jac Caglianone
Position: 1B / OF
Team: Kansas City Royals
Role Projection: Middle-of-the-Order Bat
Sportsvival Breakdown:
Caglianone brings true game-changing power. The Royals will live with the strikeouts because his bat can shift momentum instantly.
Projected Impact:
• 25–30 HR upside
• Run production
• Lineup protection
4. Sal Stewart
Position: 1B
Team: Cincinnati Reds
Role Projection: Everyday Starter
Sportsvival Breakdown:
A hitter-first profile that plays perfectly in Great American Ball Park. Stewart’s on-base skills and developing power make him a steady offensive piece.
Projected Impact:
• Lineup depth
• Consistent production
• RBI opportunities
5. Carter Jensen
Position: Catcher
Team: Kansas City Royals
Role Projection: Split / Growing Starter Role
Sportsvival Breakdown:
Rare offensive upside from the catcher position. Jensen’s bat will force its way into regular usage.
Projected Impact:
• Power from catcher
• Pitching staff support
• Long-term starter profile
6. Kevin McGonigle
Position: SS
Team: Detroit Tigers
Role Projection: Midseason Call-Up / Starter
Sportsvival Breakdown:
Advanced approach, excellent bat-to-ball skills, and growing pop. McGonigle fits Detroit’s emerging core.
Projected Impact:
• Infield stability
• Contact-heavy bat
• Top-6 lineup upside
7. Bubba Chandler
Position: RHP
Team: Pittsburgh Pirates
Role Projection: Rotation Arm
Sportsvival Breakdown:
Pure arm talent stands out. Chandler’s development hinges on command, but the upside is undeniable.
Projected Impact:
• Strikeout-heavy outings
• Rotation upside
• High-variance impact
8. Logan Henderson
Position: RHP
Team: Milwaukee Brewers
Role Projection: Rotation Depth / Starter
Sportsvival Breakdown:
Milwaukee excels at maximizing pitchers. Henderson profiles as a quietly effective innings-eater.
Projected Impact:
• Rotation depth
• Efficiency
• Low-cost value
9. Roman Anthony
Position: OF
Team: Boston Red Sox
Role Projection: Everyday Starter
Sportsvival Breakdown:
High OBP, athletic, and improving power. Anthony fits Boston’s youth movement perfectly.
Projected Impact:
• Table-setter
• Defensive flexibility
• Run creation
10. Kyle Teel
Position: Catcher
Team: Chicago White Sox
Role Projection: Everyday Catcher
Sportsvival Breakdown:
A catcher who can actually hit and lead. Teel brings stability to a young roster.
Projected Impact:
• Leadership
• Offensive production
• Pitcher handling
(photo courtesy of Sportsnet)